Prepare the Way: The Advent season is filled with a sense of waiting and anticipating, excitement and longing. Rather than the tension and busyness; distraction and overwhelming emphasis on materialism that the Christmas season often brings; Advents seeks to do something very different – to Wait and to Reflect. It reminds us that there are much more important things than our shopping lists and party plans. Things we will miss if we don’t take the time to prepare our hearts . The gifts of Advent are given to those whose hearts are prepared to receive and they include – joy and hope, peace and presence, favour and mystery, restoration and redemption. The Angel Gabriel in his message to Zechariah about his promised son John says that John’s ministry will turn hearts and “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Lk. 1:17) As we reflect on The Gospel of Luke Chapters 1 & 2 let’s prepare our hearts for the gifts of this Advent season.